ARE. YOU. READY. FOR THIS? My BRAND NEW SUPER, ULTRA, MEGA chapter? You bet you are! I have officially gone too far in screwing with Link's life. But, it makes for one hell of a chapter! My new minor charcter will push Link and Reena's relationship to the max! BWAHAHAHA

Anyways, I would like to say thank you to Sheikagal for ACCTUALLY REVIEWING, you rock! And to answer your question, no, Ganondorf won't be making an appearance in this chapter, but he will be soon! In...two? chapters. Yeah, that'll be the big "final battle", or something close to that. And next chapter will be devoted to plot. I would of made this chapter the plot chapter, but I figured that we needed some vaguely interesting filer after my horroe filled last chapter, and before an entire chapter about plot (that'll be SO boring!) So...ENJOY!

Chapter Twelve: A Holiday and A Stalfos

"And that's why we've been gone for two months," Link said. He and Reena both took deep breaths. That had taken long enough to explain. They sat there as King Jerold, Queen Lenaya, Lera, and Impa stared at them in disbelief.

"We…er…were gonna write," Reena said, rubbing the back of her neck. "It…kinda slipped our mind with the Web Plague and all though."

"…The entire town?" Lenaya asked in a hush voice.

Link nodded. "It was Ganondorf. Reena and I are positive. But, like Reena explained, she was able to find the cure. Clock Town and all of Termina's dwellings has an abundant supply of the cure."

"It must be passed to all the domains in Hyrule too," King Jerold said.

"Of course," Link agreed, shifting his sword so that it balanced on his drawn up knee. "And the ingredients with the measurements."

"You two did good," Impa said, nodding in approval. Reena allowed herself to flicker a smile at the Sheikah.

"Did…you get it?" Lera asked.

"It was unavoidable," Link said with a shrug. "But, we took the cure, don't worry."

"If we hadn't we would've been long dead by now," Reena said with a smirk.

"It still bothers me this is a usual ordeal for you," Lera muttered, eyeing them.

"Not this time," Link said quietly. He and Reena exchanged looks, remembering the corpse filled streets. Silence lingered in the room. Reena bristled. She hated awkward silences.

"Have there been any problems during our absence?" Reena asked, deciding to break it.

Jerold shook his head. "It's peculiar."

"Ganondorf must have counted on the Web Plague to be his final move," Lera said, casting an eye over everyone. "He probably expected that no cure would be found and that it would slowly consume the lands."

"But what's gonna happen when he finds out that's not the case?" Reena muttered.

"Everything," Link sighed. He sheathed the Master Sword, running a hand over his face. Aside from the celebration in Clock Town, those two months had not been relaxing. Not in the least.

"You two should take a holiday," Lenaya suddenly said. Link and Reena eyed her.

"With all due respect, Milady," Link said, "I don't think that's a good idea. We need to be around in case anything happens."

"I think it's a good idea," Impa said.

Link looked at her. Had they all lost their minds? Ganondorf was out there somewhere, waiting to strike! This was no time for a holiday!

"Uh…no offense, but the threat of Ganondorf taking over…is somewhat… er…how do I put it?" Reena asked, looking over at Link for words. "Imperative! He'll be ready to attack soon!"

"Which is the more reason why," King Jerold said, catching onto the idea. "Who knows the next time you'll have time to relax."

"…I think you're all crazy," Reena decided, sitting back in her chair.

"No one, I repeat, no one is as crazy as you," Lera assured.

"By order of your King, you two are to take time off," King Jerold said, standing.

"But-"

"Matter closed," Lenaya said, standing and taking her husbands arm as they left the room. Impa followed them and only Lera, Link, and Reena were left. Link and Reena looked at each other incredulously.

"Do they want Ganondorf to take over?" Reena demanded.

"One would assume so!" Link exclaimed.

"Hey, can I cue you two in on something?" Lera asked, leaning forward.

"What?" Link asked, hoping to get an explanation to what had just happened.

"You're nineteen have no lives," Lera said. With that, she stood up and left the room.

"What does she mean by that?" Reena demanded, looking after her. She put a hand over her heart and felt it beat. "I'm still alive!"

"You've got me," Link admitted.

"I mean," Lera called behind her, "go do something fun that has nothing to do with freeing some helpless domain for once!"

"…Like that'll work," Reena muttered. "Trouble finds us!"

"We're trouble prone," Link agreed. The two sat there, having no idea on how to solve their dilemma. Reena suddenly snapped her fingers.

"Have you ever been to Salderin?" she asked, looking over at Link.

"I've…heard of it," Link said after a moment. "But no, I've never been there. It's right outside Termina, isn't it?"

Reena nodded. "If you haven't been there then you have to go. They've got the best vendors there."

"Stolen from there?" Link asked with a grin.

"What else?" Reena asked, a glint in her eyes.

"I'll never get that Gerudo instinct out of you, will I?" Link asked, standing.

"No," Reena answered. "Did you think you'd be able to?"

"Oh no," Link said. "I knew better than to think that."

"Good," Reena said, smirking at him. She got up from her chair, strapping her swords back on. "Well, ready to go have a life?"

"Watch, this holiday is never going to happen," Link said as they left the study. "We're going to get there and mass hysteria is going to break out. You do realize that, right?"

"Yes," Reena said, the two trudging up the grand staircase.

Athen and Epona were in the stables and being given a well earned groom. Link and Reena looked at each other. The mares deserved a rest. They walked through the market as auctions kept the crowds busy, allowing the two to slip past unnoticed. As they were walking over the drawbridge, Reena suddenly grabbed Link's hat and watched as irritation took him once again. He made a desperate grab for it, but instead almost fell into the moat.

"You know what?" Link said, chasing after Reena who was running for dear life. "I'm going to need a holiday from you!"

*astrix astrix astrix*

"Wow, you weren't kidding," Link said, standing in awe.

Everywhere brightly colored canopies hung over counters. People shouted their offers, trying out outbid the other contenders. Dancers, plays, fire eaters, swordsmen, and jesters held the attention of those who had their fill of shopping. Everywhere vendors tried to pull people into paying ridiculous prices for their pieces.

"It's always this busy," Reena said, dodging a man who came running in front of her, chasing a small child. "Sometimes it's worse."

"How could it possibly be worse?" Link demanded, looking around.

"Right before the winter holiday," Reena said. "Trust me on that one. It's prime time for lifting."

"That's understandable with the Silver Frost Jubilee," Link said, afraid he was going to be trampled at any given moment.

"Just what exactly is the Silver Frost Jubilee?" Reena asked as they roamed the market. "All I know is the exchanging of gifts part."

"I'm surprised you even know that," Link said with a laugh. "Considering whenever the holiday comes around, we're saving some helpless domain."

Link grabbed her hand habitually as it reached for a dagger. Reena glared as he pulled her away.

"What does it commemorate?" Reena asked, taking her hand out of his.

"It's really a tradition from long ago," Link explained. "It was the one time of the year, during winter-"

"Really? I thought it was during the summer!" Reena said.

"-where all debts were dropped and when people would open their homes to neighbors, friends, strangers, anyone," Link continued, ignoring her input. "Gifts would be exchanged, remembering the gifts that the goddesses bestowed upon Hyrule."

"Is it celebrated by all the races?" Reena asked, eyeing a chalice.

"Yes, but by Hylians especially," Link said. "I'm sure you've noticed all the decorations the villages put up."

"They take over!" Reena exclaimed. "There always was a certain feeling in the air when winter came around."

"Over time, it become more of a time for family," Link said. "I remember my parents and I…"

Reena bit her lip as Link grew passive. Now she wished she hadn't brought up the subject.

"We'll have to try and make it back to the castle for the occasion," she said.

Link nodded. His eyes followed her straying hand and rolled his eyes. Again he took her hand away, saving a vendor from a certain doom.

"No stealing," Link told her.

"Fine," Reena grumbled. "Can I just say that's it been a long time since I have? And let me tell you how tempting it is to be here and not just gradually take something…"

"No," Link said again. "If you behave, maybe."

Reena muttered under her breath. She crossed her arms, following after Link. Her eyes focused on the cobble stones, cursing Link again and again. Laughter came from him. Before Reena could comment, she walked straight into him. Both nearly crashed to the ground.

"Nice," Reena said, brushing herself off. "You know, one usually doesn't suddenly stop walking! That would have been interesting if we had fallen."

However, Link wasn't listening. She saw his eyes washing over a magnificent bow that lay on a vendor's table. Her eyes lingered to his old one and she bit her lip. Link's bow was too small for the things he used it for and was battered horribly. She was surprised it hadn't broken yet. She looked at the bow again. He probably hadn't received anything like that in years.

"Hey, Link," Reena called.

"Sorry," he said, tearing his eyes away from the piece of art.

"Come on, we'd better find an inn," Reena said, grabbing his shoulder and pulling him along.

"I'm coming! I'm coming!" Link cried. "Ow! Are you trying to dislocate my shoulder?"

*astrix astrix astrix*

"What did I tell you? What did I tell you?" Link said as people ran in every direction, screaming.

"How come no one listens to us?" Reena demanded, nearly getting thrown to her feet. "Ganondorf knew we were here! And he's more than pissed since we found the cure!"

"How much do you want to bet he's taken the castle?" Link said, looking at her.

"My life," Reena muttered. "Salderin just has to have a castle. What do you suppose Ganondorf has done to it? Another evil spreading plant? He does seem like the gardening type."

Link smirked at her comment. A growl suddenly sounded through the air and Link knew it wasn't a plant. At least it definitely didn't look like a plant.

"Oh…ow," Reena said, wincing.

"Yeah," Link agreed. The two drew their swords out, Link pulling his shield out too.

The cobblestone crumbled underneath the weight of the Stalfos that came towards them.

"That is the biggest Stalfos I have ever seen in my whole life," Link said, feeling faint. "I hate Stalfos. I really hate Stalfos."

"Er, you take this one," Reena said as she realized that the Stalfos was at least twice as tall as Link was. "You can take him!"

"Har har," Link said. He looked around at the people running everywhere. "How are we going to do this? We'll hit someone for sure!"

Reena bit her lip, wondering on what they could possibly do. Meanwhile the Stalfos came closer and closer towards them. An agitated sigh came from Reena and she looked at him.

"We're going to have to fight around them," she muttered.

"…Great," Link murmured. "Do you want to do the honors?"

"Sure," Reena sighed, stepping forward.

"Oh, and by the way, that's your life," Link said, backing her up. "He didn't attack the castle."

"Do you want to wait till later to kill me or just get it over with?" Reena asked as they started into a jog.

"Later, I need your help," Link answered. "Alright, let's do it."

"The bigger they are, the harder they fall," Reena answered, breaking into a run. Her swords became a blur as she attacked the Stalfos feet. Behind her, Link fired and arrow at its eye. Reena pointed her hand back at Link, his arrows catching fire each time he strung one.

"Thanks," he called.

"Any time," Reena answered, doing a flip to avoid the sword that came slashing towards her. Reena rolled to the side as the Stalfos attempted to crush her with his shield. She grabbed a hold of it as the Stalfos lifted it. She jumped onto his head, driving her double swords into his skull. The Stalfos thrashed and cried out in pain. Reena jumped off, landing on her feet.

"You okay?" Link called, covering her.

"Fine," Reena said. "But I think he's got one heck of a migraine."

The two worked furiously, keeping the Stalfos in a contained area. People formed a perimeter around Reena and Link, watching in horror and amazement as they took on the minion. Again and again the two found themselves colliding with the crowd when the Stalfos hit hard.

Link cursed as the Stalfos advanced on the onlookers. Why couldn't they realize that this wasn't a show to entertain them? This show was a matter between life and death! A skeleton wielding a five foot sword didn't appeal to him that much. He back flipped as the sword came crashing down next to him. Reena was there in a moment, slashing at the Stalfos exposed arm. Link gasped as he saw the Stalfos free arm come swinging towards her. Link ran at Reena, knocking her to the side. They skidded across the ground, the rocks cutting at them. Link rolled on his back just in time to see the sword coming down on them. Reena's swords blocked him from the blow and the two separated.

"Thanks, I didn't see that coming," Reena said.

"Anytime," Link answered. Just as Link was pulling his bow out again, the Stalfos lunged at him. Link dove to the ground, rolling to the side. Crack! Link jumped to his feet, holding his bow…broken in two.

"Great," he muttered, throwing the pieces aside and pulling the Master Sword out. He ran forward, Reena flanking him. The parries didn't cease with the two. The familiar dance entwined around them, taking their minds away from everything but the battle. Just as Link was wondering when the Stalfos would die, it let out a final cry and white fire engulfed it.

As Reena watched it burn, Link went to his old bow at picked up the pieces. He ran his hands over the worn wood, a feeling of loss coming over him. This bow had been with him nearly his whole life. Countless times it had saved his life. Link sighed. He had known it would only be a matter of time.

"What happened?" Reena asked, walking up next to him.

"It finally broke," Link answered quietly. He quickly hid his sadness. "I knew it was only a matter of time. It's only a bow after all."

Reena saw past his composure. However, she just nodded. She turned around, looking to see if the castle had been taken. She felt anxiety stream through her when she saw what was coming towards them.

"Well, that looks like a death party if I ever saw one," Reena muttered. "Uh, I don't think our problems are over…just yet."

"What now?" Link asked, turning around. He quickly saw what she was talking about. "…Oh."

"Yeah…they don't look too pleased," Reena said.

A party of ten guards clad in all black approached them. A red hawk perched on a moon was painted on their chests. The two were quickly surrounded and both felt intimidated with the lack of identity. They could only see the guards' eyes through a small slit and their mouths.

"You are to come with us to the castle," one said firmly. The drawn swords convinced Reena and Link to listen. They cast a quick look at each other as they were escorted towards the castle. Reena leaned over towards Link, an amused look on her face.

"I'm glad they appreciate the fact that we just saved all those people back there," she muttered in his ear.

"Don't push it," Link murmured, seeing a few of the guards eye them. "I like life, I don't know about you."

Reena only shrugged, pulling away. She wondered if Salderin was with Ganondorf for the castle wasn't very inviting. Turrets rose from the castle, leaning over the city. The dark grey stone looked almost black, glaring at the two as they were brought over the drawbridge. Large metal doors creaked opened and Reena was shocked to find the throne room full of light. It was actually very beautiful and not at all like its surrounding walls.

"Well, this is a shock," Reena whispered to Link. "Death by helping someone. I didn't expect it to end this way."

"Reena," Link said in a warning voice as two guards left, "I don't want to test these people."

"Alright, alright," Reena answered, closing her mouth.

She looked at Link and saw concern behind his calm composure. She laid a hand on his shoulder for a moment, dropping it when the royal family of Salderin walked into the room. Reena looked with interest upon them. Two princes walked in with the King and Queen of Salderin. The older of the two looked around their age. He had short brown hair with nearly black eyes. The younger had sandy hair with light brown eyes. The youngest was around Lera's age.

The King and Queen's gazes were less inviting. It suddenly softened when they got a look at the two of them and with a flick of his hand the King dismissed all the guards from the room. Reena still felt uneasy.

"We are greatly sorry for that," the King said. "Our guards did not recognize you. In times as dark as these, they take no precautions."

"That is quite understandable," Link assured.

"Yes, you two would know best as all," the King said with a nod. "What brings you here upon this unfortunate day? It was fortunate for us that you did decide to be here!"

Link bit his tongue, not wishing to reveal that the Stalfos had probably been sent to Salderin because of them. "We had heard of your city and wished to see it. It is quite amazing."

The King smiled at this statement. "Yes, we are quite known for our markets."

"Certainly, for it attracts many," Link said.

Reena was growing impatient. She wanted to get out of here as soon as possible. Her eyes fell on the princes again, hoping to learn more about them. The youngest seemed eager to listen to what was going on. However, the eldest looked showed no expression. Their eyes met for a brief moment and he gave her a small smile. Reena looked away, realizing that the conversation had ended. She followed Link, wondering where on Hyrule he was going.

"What's going on?" Reena asked.

"Well, if you had been paying attention instead of checking out the bloodline, you would know," Link smirked. Reena rolled her eyes and waited for him to continue. "We've been asked to stay the night as their thanks."

"Thanks or punishment?" Reena muttered, looking around.

"I didn't want to turn it down," Link admitted. "I was too afraid of what might happen if I declined the offer."

"…Okay, now I agree," Reena decided. They were met by a guard who showed them to their rooms. Reena quickly dropped her things off at her room, keeping her swords with her though. She went next door to Link's and sat on his bed as he became settled. "So, how did Ganondorf find out we were here?"

"Spy," Link answered simply, hanging his shield on the hooks in the closet. "No doubt we were followed or something like that. He has his ways."

"Bastard," Reena muttered. She let out a fake sigh of relief, clapping her hands together. "Well, that was a grand holiday! I'm ready to go back to our regular trade now that we've been away from it for a while!"

Link smirked, "We tried to tell them."

"But they never listen," they said at the same time. Link shook his head, putting his quiver and bow pieces in the closet also.

"Hey…I'm sorry about your bow," Reena said quietly.

Link shrugged. "Like I said, it was old."

"It meant a lot to you," Reena reasoned. Link slowly nodded, seeing that Reena understood about having an attachment to a weapon. "It saved your life, and my life, plenty of times."

"Yeah," Link agreed. "I'll make a new one when we get back to Hyrule."

"Hey, what about that one in the market," Reena said, pulling her legs under her chin.

Link shook his head. "I don't have the money for something like that!"

"You're the Hero of Time," Reena said. "Somehow I don't believe you. You're telling me you're a broke wanderer?"

"Okay, maybe not broke," Link decided. "But I don't have the money to buy that bow."

Reena shrugged. "Whatever."

"What about you? Interested in the princes?" Link asked.

Just then a knock came at the door. Reena eyed him and got from his bed, opening the door. She was taken aback to find the eldest prince standing in front of her. He swept into a graceful bow and Reena cast a quick look over her shoulder at Link who was not impressed in the least.

"Lady Reena," he said, "Allow me to introduce myself. I am Prince Sarid. I fear that my parents may have come off as unpleasant. I wish to offer my own thanks for your aid."

He took her hand, gently pressing his lips to it. "I had hoped that I might show you both a tour of the castle."

"I'm good here," Link answered. He wanted to smirk, knowing Reena would drop him harder than that Stalfos. His mouth nearly fell open when she followed Prince Sarid out of the room."

"I'll be back later," she called, leaving Link to stand there like an idiot.

"She certainly is interested in the princes," Link muttered.

*astrix astrix astrix*

Link leaned against the castle wall, extremely cross. Reena hadn't returned that day. Nor had he heard her enter her bed chamber that day either. Over the past three days Link had barely seen her. And if she was, she was with Sarid. He had barely been able to pass to her that they were leaving today. Maybe she hadn't even heard. Link rolled his eyes. He wasn't going to chase after her and walk into something he didn't want to witness. A shiver ran down his spine at that thought. She wouldn't do something like that…he prayed. Finally Reena walked out of the castle, a backpack slung over her shoulder. Link kept the urge inside to start yelling like a manic and straightened.

"So, enjoy yourself?" Link asked coolly.

"That doesn't begin to describe it," Reena answered, a glow in her eyes. Link was about ready to shake the information out of her.

"What did you and Sarid do over the past days?" Link asked, trying very hard to act civil. He felt he was failing… miserably.

"Wouldn't you like to know. Let's go," Reena answered.

Red hot jealously built up behind disgust. He followed her through the market and out of Salderin. It seemed like they were walking forever in silence. Finally, when Salderin was a child's play house in the distance, Reena stopped him. Link looked blindly around, seeing that it was almost dark. Time had passed uncannily fast. Quickly and quietly they set up camp. Link sat on the opposite side of the fire, watching the flames dance. He took another stab at a conversation.

"What's in the pack?" Link asked, feeling his anger begin to rise again.

"I thought you'd never ask," Reena said, going over and sitting down next to him.

"Keepsakes from Sarid?" Link asked darkly.

"You can say that again," Reena snickered. She pulled from her shirt a diamond ring and a necklace laced with extravagant jewels. She went to her pack, pulling out a ruby encrusted dagger and much more from it. Link watched in dumbfounded awe as one extraordinary piece followed another.

"He showed me every room," Reena said with a smirk. "That ring is his. Took it right off his hand when he kissed mine. Granted I'm going to have to cut my hand off now, but hey, at least I got something in return. And that chalice you're holding was made across seas. This ball mask was made by one of the best goldsmiths in Salderin. It's solid gold!"

Link felt a smile come to his face. It soon faded.

"Wait…then you don't like…," Link trailed off, going red. "Nothing happened… the first night of our stay?"

"As in…," Reena trailed off, barely believing the topic. Link nodded slowly and Reena stared at him in horror. "No! By the goddesses no! You… you thought that? Did it really seem like that? I swear, by our friendship that never happened! I was only going with the idiot so that I could lift from him. You said I could if I was good, and I have been!"

Link thought he could hang himself. How could he have been so stupid? This was Reena!

"Reena, you are the most amazing person I have ever met in my life," Link said, putting a hand on her shoulder.

"I know," Reena sighed, throwing her hair over her shoulders dramatically. She suddenly made a sour face. "Sarid is probably one of the most annoying people I've ever met in my life."

Link grinned. "What you do to uphold the Gerudo name."

"Ugh, I know," Reena muttered. "I think Nabooru will like these after being gone for so long."

"A peace offering?" Link asked.

"A trade off," Reena corrected. "My life for these things. Nabooru is going to kill me. I can't remember last time I visited."

Link let out a laugh. The fire became blue and Link rolled his eyes. He was slowly becoming use to the fire suddenly changing color.

"Bored?" he asked as the flames began to take odd shapes.

"Nope, having fun right now," Reena answered. Link shook his head, helping her pack the goods back up. Once they were done, Reena laid on her stomach, looking at the fire. Link sat next to her, one arm resting on her back. Reena let out a yawn, laying her head on her crossed arms.

"Dealing with him for the past four days and trying to stay sane was nearly impossible," she muttered.

"You know, you could have told me what you were doing," Link told her. "I was…shall we say…shocked."

"I can't believe you actually believed I would do that!" Reena said, looking at him.

"Well you sure didn't try to show the truth," Link cornered. Reena thought for a moment.

"Okay, I guess avoiding you was an influence," Reena said. "However, I didn't want you objecting and making me return everything."

"Believe me, I would have been pointing things out to take," Link murmured.

"You really don't like him, huh?" Reena asked with a smirk.

"There's something about him I don't trust," Link admitted. "And you don't seem too impressed with him if you stole most of his belongings."

"I'll concede to that fact," Reena agreed. "But you only met him for a total of ten seconds."

"And that was long enough," Link said.

Reena smirked. "I learned his brother's name. It's Kasten."

"Sarid and Kasten," Link said, nodding his head in approval.

Reena continued, "Sarid's the heir to the throne. However, it seems there's a slight controversy because Kasten does too. I actually hope Kasten does end up ruling because all Sarid would talk about was ruling!"

"It's okay," Link said, rubbing her back. She acted like she was sobbing in horror. "Deep breaths and slow exhalations."

Reena began to laugh so hard that it hurt. She buried her face in the grass, not able to get up.

"We are sad, you know that?" Reena asked, finally composing herself.

Link smiled and nodded. "Thanks to you."

"Something that I take great pride in," Reena said, laying her head down again. Link shook his head, lying down with his eyes on the sky.

And here you are :) The only reason I wrote this is because, I think Link and Reena needed a break from saving the world and crucial plot points. Well...Link didn't really have a very good vacation, he was too busy being jealous and gloomy. I totally just made up Salderin, I don't know if it's a real place or not. Also, I re-read my story, and I'm sorry to say that is wasn't as fantabulous as I wanted and made out to be. Sorry for misleading you. I should have elaborated on it more... Maybe Sarid and Kasten will make another cameo appearance later on, with more input from Kasten. Eh, I doubt it though, so don't get your hopes up. Well, whatever, let me know what you thought of Sarid and make sure you rate and review! :D